Inspiring Athletes

Sam Hornish Jr. snags first NASCAR victory in Phoenix

Sam Hornish Jr., celebrates his Nationwide Series WYAPP 200 victory at Phoenix International Raceway on November 12, 2011 (Photo courtesy of NASCAR)

It was 10 years ago when Sam Hornish Jr., won an IndyCar race at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR). It’s taken a while for the former Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar series champion to get a solid footing within the NASCAR ranks, but on Saturday he finally broke through by taking the checkered flag at the Wypall 200. Hornish was steady all day, stayed out of trouble and, in the end, outraced Carl Edwards, Joey Logano and likely Nationwide Series champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

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Unfortunately, Hornish’s victory was somewhat overshadowed by a wreck involving Jason Leffler and Elliott Sadler. Sadler was trying to stay within reach of Stenhouse for the series title when an inexplicable spin-out caused by Leffler virtually pushed Sadler out of contention with one race to go.

It was hard not to be happy for Hornish who was only able to race in a handful of Nationwide races this season after spending three full season at the Sprint Cup level from 2008 to 2010. Things are looking up for Hornish, however, who is working on a full-time Nationwide Series sponsorship for 2012 and a possible return to the Sprint Cup series in 2013 as recently announced by team owner Roger Penske.

Earlier this year, Inspiring Athletes posted an interview with Hornish. You can check out that conversation by clicking HERE.

A conversation with NASCAR driver Tanner Berryhill[caption id="attachment_3470" align="alignleft" width="605"] Tanner Berryhill next to his #17 Nationwide Series car just before the start of the O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 4, 2014. (Photo by Chad ...